I grabbed this on a whim at 2 AM while buying toothpaste. Didn’t expect much.
Three weeks later, I’m using it more than my $38 Nars. That’s not hyperbole — that’s me being annoyed I spent the extra money.
It’s Nyx Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum — $10.49 at Ulta. The tube says “hydrating concealer” but it’s basically a tinted skincare product that happens to cover dark circles.
Serum-like consistency
Thin enough to drip down your hand if you squeeze too hard. Not creamy at all.
Medium-buildable coverage
One layer evens redness. Two layers actually covers a zit. Three looks like you’re trying too hard.
That weird doe-foot applicator
Giant and slightly too soft. Feels like a marshmallow stabbing your face.
Photo: Christin Hume / Unsplash
They actually put skincare actives in here, not just silicone and hope. It’s got niacinamide for brightening and glycerin for that “I slept 8 hours” look — which I never do.
- Niacinamide: Calms redness + fades dark spots slowly
- Glycerin: Sits on skin like a moisture barrier, not greasy
- Hyaluronic Acid: Plumps fine lines so concealer doesn’t crease
- Green Tea Extract: Anti-inflammatory for when you’ve been crying over a boy
Photo: Siora Photography / Unsplash
Day 1: Applied too much, looked like a wet pancake. The texture is runny — it absorbs in 15 seconds, so you have to blend immediately or you’re committed.
Week 2: Realized it works better under the eyes than on blemishes. It doesn’t fully cover zits — it just makes them look less angry. My under-eyes look less like I’m hungover, which is the best compliment I can give.
Photo: Nick Noel / Unsplash
My dark circles are about 30% less noticeable after 3 weeks. Not gone — that’s unrealistic. But I’m using less powder to set it, which means less cake-face by 3 PM.
Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash
It’s the best drugstore concealer for normal-to-dry skin under $15, and it genuinely hydrates. Just don’t expect a miracle worker for texture.